It's probably true about a lot of American cities, but it seemed especially true that just one block off the beaten path you could run into some pretty rough neighbourhoods.
Can't find the name of the place we stayed...I think it might have been the Westin near Union Square (or somewhere nearby that has changed names). No positive or negative memory of the hotel...Union Square area seemed like a nice central spot where a lot of stuff is within a long walk or streetcar.
Check out 'Urban Putt' in the Mission District. Beer and awesome/creative indoor miniputt. The who Mission District seemed nice if you want to be a little more low-key...not sure there are many hotels, but maybe more airbnbs.
Alcatraz is worth a visit.
If you like wine then I'd spend more time in Napa Valley...particularly Calistoga, but there are several nice towns.
I'm glad to have visited, but probably wouldn't spend more than a daytrip in downtown if we visited the area again...seems like lots of cool areas within a few hours to explore! Of course YMMV and I'm not as much of a 'big city' person these days (NYC and Europe excluded).
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